unconformable

[uhn-kuhn-fawr-muh-buhl]

adjective

1. not conformable; not conforming.

2. Geology.,  indicating discontinuity of any type in a stratigraphic sequence.

unconformable

/ ˌʌnkənˈfɔːməbəl /

adjective

1. not conformable or conforming

2. (of rock strata) consisting of a series of younger strata that do not succeed the underlying older rocks in age or in parallel position, as a result of a long period of erosion or nondeposition

Other Word Forms

• unconformability noun
• unconformably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconformable¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + conformable

Example Sentences

I’m always going to talk about what makes people unconformable.

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Geologists like to say that New Jersey’s coastal plain sits “unconformably” atop this Paleozoic base.

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It is critical at a time of public health crisis to be aware of the line between panic and preparation, to speak tough and unconformable truths without being alarmist.

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The whole is overlaid unconformably by the younger Tertiaries of Hundes, which are perfectly horizontal and have been quite unaffected by any of the folds.

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The piers of the tower are, as I have said, unmistakably Norman, but upon them are set, quite unconformably, arches at least a century later in date.

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Related Words

• abhorrent 
• abominable 
• contradictory 
• disgusting 
• distasteful 
• incompatible 
• objectionable 
• odious 
• revolting 
• vile